Local Authority Candidates FAQs

Who can stand for Election?

A person can stand for election as a member of a Local Authority if their name is entered on the register of electors and if they reach the age of 18 on the day of the election.

A person cannot be elected as a member of a Local Authority if:

within the last 5 years they have had a prison sentence of not less than 3 months (without the option of a fine) on the Island, UK, Channel Islands, or Republic of Ireland;

guilty of corrupt or illegal practices;

they are in the paid employment of a Local Authority, a Joint Board or Joint Committee of that Authority.

Where can I find out more information on the local elections?

All those seeking to be elected as a Member of a Local Authority are encouraged to read the Local Elections Legislation booklet produced by the Department's Local Government Unit (available to download on this page), which contains copies of the following:

See also:

Where can I obtain a nomination form?

The Returning Officer/Clerk for your Authority will be able to provide you with a nomination form, and will also be able to confirm details such as the deadline date for the submission of nomination papers.

How many signatures do I need on my nomination form?

Each nomination form requires the signatures of 2 electors; 1 as proposer and 1 as seconder, in addition to at least 8 assentors, all of whom must be on the same register of electors for the district/ward in which you are seeking election.

It is recommended that the signatures of more than 8 assentors be obtained in case any are deemed invalid by the Returning Officer (see Rule 14 of the Local Election Rules 2003 (as amended in 2008 and 2012)).

What is the period for objections to nominations?

Objections are required to be made by no later than 2pm on the next day after the day fixed for the delivery of nomination papers.

What is the period for withdrawal of candidature?

Should you wish to withdraw your candidature, you must do so in writing by no later than 2pm on the next day after the day fixed for the delivery of nomination papers. (For more details, see Rule 16 of the Local Elections Rules 2003 (as amended in 2008 and 2012)).

How long would I be elected for?

The present term of office is 4 years.

How many seats are there for each District/Ward?

A document setting out the number of seats for each District/Ward can be downloaded on this page.

Are Councillors/Commissioners reimbursed for their time?

Local Government membership is not paid office but attendance allowances can be claimed as follows:

Daytime Rate: 12.50 per hour (to a maximum of £50 per session)

Evening Rate: £7.50 per hour (to a maximum of £30 per session)

The maximum allowances payable to a member per annum are £3,600 for evening sessions, or £6,000 for daytime sessions or both daytime and evening sessions combined. Travel allowances can also be claimed.

Are there any requirements under the Data Protection Act I need to be aware of?

The Office of the Information Commissioner have produced a document entitled 'Candidates for Election' which sets out the requirements of the Data Protection Act relating to the full electoral register and the processing of personal data for an election.

Should you have any data protection queries relating to the Local Elections, then please contact: